Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph looking good after weight loss

Minnesota tight end Kyle Rudolph runs for a touchdown after catching a pass from quarterback Matt Cassel against Arizona in the second quarter of a preseason game at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Saturday, August 16, 2014. (Pioneer Press: John Autey)

During the offseason, Kyle Rudolph gained some money and lost some weight.

The Vikings tight end signed a five-year, $36.5 million contract extension around the start of training camp after arriving having dropped 10 pounds. Both are coming into play in the preseason.

Rudolph, now under contract through 2019, looks so far to be worth the money. He has been Minnesota's most productive receiver in two games, catching five balls for 111 yards.

"I have noticed I feel a lot lighter on my feet,'' said Rudolph, listed at 6-foot-6, 259 pounds. "I feel much better running and I think it shows up on tape.''

Rudolph put on the highlight shows a 51-yard touchdown reception from Matt Cassel in the second quarter of Saturday's 30-28 win over Arizona at TCF Bank Stadium. He finished the night with four catches for 89 yards.

"I have (noticed Rudolph's weight loss) especially in terms of his speed and quickness,'' Cassel said. "He looks great running around, and he's looked great all camp, and that's starting to carry over on the field on game days.''

Rudolph is developing into perhaps Cassel's favorite target, having caught all of his passes this preseason from him. In the opener Oct. 8 against Oakland, Rudolph almost caught a touchdown from Cassel on the opening drive, being knocked out at the 1 after a 22-yard gain